Bennacer’s Agent Switch Signals Imminent AC Milan Exit

FolioPitch.com – 06 July 2026 | The transfer saga surrounding Ismael Bennacer has taken a decisive turn as the Algerian midfielder officially changes his agent, setting the stage for his long-anticipated departure from AC Milan. According to multiple reports, Romano Bennacer changes his agent to spark inevitable Milan departure, with Fali Ramadani‘s Lian Sports now representing the 28-year-old. This move is widely seen as the final push needed to facilitate a permanent transfer this summer, after a disappointing loan spell at Dinamo Zagreb.

Bennacer, who joined Milan in 2019 from Empoli, was once considered a key midfield pillar for the Rossoneri. However, injuries and a shift in tactical philosophy under head coach Rui Amorim have rendered him surplus to requirements. The club’s hierarchy made it clear that Bennacer is not part of their long-term plans, and the player himself has accepted that a fresh start is necessary. The decision to part ways with his previous agent and enlist Ramadani—a super-agent known for orchestrating moves to lucrative leagues—strongly suggests that a Middle Eastern destination is on the horizon.

The 2024-25 season saw Bennacer loaned to Dinamo Zagreb, a move intended to showcase his fitness and attract suitors. While the Croatian club covered a portion of his wages, the stint was underwhelming. He managed only 12 appearances in all competitions, struggling to recapture the form that made him a standout in Milan’s Scudetto-winning campaign of 2021-22. With no purchase option in the loan agreement, Bennacer returned to Milanello, but the club has no intention of reintegrating him. As one source put it, “Romano Bennacer changes his agent to spark inevitable Milan departure is the headline that best encapsulates the current situation.”

Why the Agent Switch Matters

Changing agents is rarely a casual decision for a professional footballer. It often signals a shift in strategy or a desire to explore new markets. In Bennacer’s case, moving to Lian Sports—a firm with deep connections in Saudi Arabia and the UAE—virtually confirms that his next club will be in the Middle East. Fali Ramadani has brokered several high-profile transfers to the Saudi Pro League, including moves for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Aleksandar Mitrovic. With Milan eager to offload Bennacer’s wages, which are substantial by Serie A standards, a sale to a cash-rich club in the Middle East would be a win-win: the player gets a lucrative contract, and Milan recoups a transfer fee.

Fabrizio Romano, the renowned transfer expert, reported on his YouTube channel that negotiations are already underway. “Ismael Bennacer has changed his agency. He has signed with Fali Ramadani’s Lian Sports and is now ready to leave Milan. He’s obviously not part of the Rossoneri’s plans, Amorim was very clear with him about this. Work is already underway to find his next destination. I believe it could be the Middle East,” Romano stated. This aligns with the growing trend of Serie A players moving to the Gulf region, following the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté.

Milan’s Summer Transfer Strategy

For AC Milan, the Bennacer situation is part of a broader squad overhaul. The club is targeting younger, more dynamic midfielders to fit Amorim’s high-pressing system. Bennacer’s departure could free up funds for potential signings like Youssouf Fofana or Khephren Thuram, who have been linked with the San Siro. Moreover, with the Rossoneri aiming to return to Champions League contention, balancing the books is imperative. Bennacer’s hefty salary—reportedly around €4 million net per season—has been a burden, especially after the loan spell failed to yield a permanent buyer.

Meanwhile, Bennacer himself will be seeking stability after a turbulent year. At 28, he is entering his prime years and will want to secure a long-term contract. The Middle East offers not only financial security but also a less demanding competitive environment, which might appeal after a season marred by limited playing time. As the summer window approaches, all signs point to one conclusion: Romano Bennacer changes his agent to spark inevitable Milan departure, and a move away from Europe now appears unavoidable.

Conclusion

The change of agent is the clearest indication yet that Ismael Bennacer’s time at AC Milan is over. With the club determined to sell and the player eager to reboot his career, a transfer before the start of the 2025-26 season is all but guaranteed. Whether it’s to a Saudi Pro League side or another Middle Eastern club, the next chapter for Bennacer will likely be written far away from Serie A. For Milan, it’s a necessary step in their rebuild; for Bennacer, it’s an opportunity to rediscover his best form in a new environment. The football world will watch closely as this saga unfolds, but the message is clear: Romano Bennacer changes his agent to spark inevitable Milan departure.